Battle of the Bands was a hit, gathering audiences and garnering some sure-fire headbangs. The victorious band, scoring a concert in the amphitheatre, was the infamous Tan Band. From classic covers to special guests, the Tan Band delivered with slapping bass and symphonic keys.

The bandmates are Liam Fahey (12), Jackson Forte (12), Dylan French (12), Drew Cox (11), and Connor Rose (12). The band varied in talent and all worked together to pull off this feat during lunch. Connor Rose says on the experience, “It was a really good hit and we chose the music so people could groove and that the audience was able to enjoy it.”

The setlist of the band consisted of Say It Ain’t So by Weezer, Take On Me by A-ha, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, and Sicko Mode by Travis Scott. This set blended old school and new school and had the biggest turnout than any other band. Groupies and Bouncers were a huge part of the entire show. Led in by the Tan Bodyguards was Alec Tighe (12)  who had recently released his second rap album Alectricity. He sang with the lead singer Liam Fahey as they had the crowd singing along with them every beat of the way.

The band on Friday played genres ranging from Ska to 80’s-90’s rock. Pianist Jackson Forte says they had chose this specific set,” because we thought they were cool songs and thought we could draw a crowd.” Favorite song he played was Take On me, “because of the solos on the two keyboards and Liam gets to sing the really high notes.” Bassist and Guitarist Dylan French inputs his reason for the setlist, “We wanted to play for the audience so we choose songs not for us to make sure that they can rock and roll and dance along with us, so yeah thank you very much.”

Liam Fahey boasts on hitting the high notes in the set, “My testosterone levels were off the charts so hitting the high notes were not a problem and I love all my tan fans and my tan ladies and I am single.”

The setlist was (in order):

1. Bohemian Rhapsody/ Mr. Blue Sky – Queen/Electric Light Orchestra
2. Say It Ain’t So – Weezer
3. Gary Come Home – Spongebob
4. Santeria – Sublime
5. Creep – Radiohead
6. Lose Yourself (feat. Alec Tighe) – Eminem
7. Lucid Dreams – Juice WRLD
8. Take On Me – a-ha
9. (Encore) Sweet

So The Express went on to further ask, “Why Tan?”

“[The color] is super universal and feels like it captures the hearts of the young boys and girls,” says French. The music that was made by the band brought out emotions and feelings. Jackson and Dylan said, “Coming soon are our albums with covers, The Tan Album, then an album with originals, the Sound of Tan, so stay tuned.”